Topical use of either tranexamic acid or aprotinin efficiently reduces postoperative bleeding. TA seems to be at least as potent as aprotinin, but potentially safer and with better cost-effectiveness ratio.

The performance of known prediction models for AKI-D was found reasonably well in the prediction of KDIGO-AKI, with the model by Thakar having the highest predictive value in the discrimination of patients with risk for all KDIGO-AKI stages.

The lungs were found to be a significant source of lactate, and this pulmonary lactate flux was accentuated by CPB. The PLR correlated with systemic hyperlactatemia as well as the A-a O2 gradient, and was found to be higher in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilatory support. The duration of CPB had a significant impact on the systemic lactate concentrations, V-A dpCO2 and the A-a O2 gradient, but not on the PLR.

Recent developments in cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology have led to the installation of integrated operating rooms that allow both surgical and endovascular procedures. These units offer surgical as well as angiographic equipment and personnel and therefore require special planning and design. A variety of integrated procedures can be performed. Hybrid coronary revascularization, percutaneous valve repair, and aortic stent-graft placement are current developments that are ideally performed in a cath-lab operating room. This review by an international working group of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists outlines the challenges involved with implementation of an integrated operating suite and suggests general planning and construction guidelines.

Penetrating cardiothoracic wounds are among the most serious injuries in war, either in combat or among civilians. In spite of their nature, they can be treated successfully with relatively low mortality and morbidity.